Orthodontic attachment



March 29, 1960 H. D. KESLING 2,930,125

ORTHODONTIC ATTACHMENT Filed Dec. 24, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR: HAROLD D. KESLING BY March 29, 1960 D. KESLING 2,930,125

ORTHODONTIC ATTACHMENT Filed Dec. 24, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR:

HAROLD D. KESLING BY ATT'YS March 29 1960 HAROLD D. KEQSLIING BY ATT'YS.

United States Patent ORTHODONTIC ATTACHMENT Harold D. Kesling, La Porte, Ind. Application December 24, 1951, Serial .No. 705,050 6 Claims. or. 32-14 This invention relates to means for effecting alinement of teeth by the use of an arch wire, and to means to which the arch is secured to appliances attachedioteeth.

The invention consists primarily of improvedmeans at,-

tached to a band for connection with the arch wire at a single point with respect to a tooth to effect proper alinement of a tooth under certain circumstances, o'r'by providing a multiple attachment to a member applied to a tooth band for certain correction under other circumstances. The band permits the attachment of a single arch wire as an easy application to start a tooth toward its proper alinement, and then permits a two point or multiple attachment to a tooth band should such double attachment be necessary and desirable, depending .upon the circumstances arising under each individual case. The band of the present invention encircles a tooth and is cemented or otherwise placed on a tooth. A device, in the nature of a vertical hollow member, ismounted on a hand between the gingival and the occlusal of a tooth,

or teeth, at the labial surface and has means for single attachment to' the arch wire. The hollow device is also adapted to have applied thereto amember somewhat T- shaped, which is received in the hollow device, and -to permit a multiple, or double, contact with the arch wire with respect to any given tooth. In some instances, it is desirable to start with a single attachment to the arch wire, and later revert to a double attachment. In other instances, a single attachment may be desirable for one tooth and a double attachment for another tooth. The arrangement and use, of course, depend on the amount of straightening or rotation necessary to suit the needs of the individual patient.

The primary object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved tooth band having unique means for permitting either single or multiple attachment of the arch wire to the band, depending upon the circumstances at the time of application, and depending upon the amount of straightening, shifting or turning movement required for each tooth.

Another important object lies in the provision of an improved arch wire attachment to ,a tooth band to permit the arch wire to be directly, but removably, applied thereto by a single attachment, or to have a double attachment for the arch wire by merely inserting or applyarch and .embodyingone form of; the invention, fOUI' ill',

cisor teethonly being shown; v

Fig. 2 is a detail transverse view on the line2..-2 of Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a detail elevational view, o n a greatly enlarged scale, showing a single incisor .tooth with the inventionapplied thereto;

Fig. 4 is a view atright angles torFig. 3 with certain partsin section; r

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectionxon the line 5-5 of Fig.3;

Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view disclosing a hollow member applied to a tooth band; 7

'Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but sh wing a double attachment to the arch wire; 1 a

Fig. 8 is a detail transverse sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig. 7 r

Fig. 9 is anenlarged .detail elevational view similar to Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent throughout the specification which is to follow.

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain selected embodiments of the invention, and the views therein are as follows: I

' Fig. 1 is an occlusal elevational view of the maxillary wire;

'Fig. 10 is a view at right angles to Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view on the line 1111 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is a detail exploded view showing the double attachment member and the improved band in perspec L 7 Fig. 13 is a detail perspective view showing a substantially channel-shaped member applied to the band, instead of a substantially box-shaped member as shown in Figs. 6and 12. V a

Fig. 14 is a detail perspective view showing a projection for engaging the arch wire, the projection extending toward the gingival instead of toward the occlusal like in Figs. 1 to 6;

Fig. 15 is a detailperspective view showing a horizontal slide guide on a tooth band to eceive a horizontal slide member; s I

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15, but showing the guide vertically arranged for receiving a vertical slide member; and

Fig. 17 is a detail 'perspectiveview of amodified form of device secured to the band for double attachment to the arch wire.

The particular construction herein shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention comprises devices which are adapted to be applied to teeth. While the drawings disclose four incisorteeth 1, the cuspid teeth and other teeth may have the invention applied thereto as well. Separate bands 2 are preferably made from a strip of flat noncorrosive material to encircle a tooth, the ends of the band being soldered together, as indicated at 3, Fig. 2. Each band 2 is securely fastened to a tooth ,in any desired manner, such as by the usual cementing method. The point where the strip is secured together to form the band 2 has the attaching ends soldered and arranged on the lingual or inside of the mouth.

An arch wire 4-is arranged on the buccal or labial be tween the occlusal and the gingival, and is secured in position on the respective teeth by means of a single member 5 which extends part way vertically of the band 2, Fig. 6. The member 5, Figs. 1 to 6, is provided with a non-circular vertical opening 6 extending therethrough. The outer surface 7 of the member 5 terminates in a downwardly extending finger 8 which is engaged by the arch wire. The arch wire '4 is adapted to engage the side '9 of the member 5, toward the occlusal, Figs. 1 to 6, or gingival, Fig.1l4, of atooth, and is held in position on the band '2 by bending the finger 8 inwardly toward the tooth, as indicated at 10, as clearly shown :in Fig. .4. whereby the arch wire .4 may be locked to the member 5 of each band 2. s

In many instances it is desirable to start elf with an Patented M r- 29. Iago easy application by using the single attachment and securmg the arch wire 4 to the band 2 by bending over the finger 8. The bending of the finger 8 may comprise a greater or lesser bend, depending upon how t ghtly or loosely the arch wire 4 is to be held in position. The use of a single contact of the arch wire with a band has some advantages 'at the beginning of the application, and permits for rotation of the tooth root, and causes the shifting of the tooth either inwardly or outwardly, or from one side to the other.

The pening 6 in the member 5 is used primarily for the securement of the arch wire to the band in the manner disclosed in Figs. 7 to 12. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 to 12, the band 2 may have the identical attaching member 5 secured rigidly thereto by welding, soldering, or otherwise, in the same manner as the application disclosed in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive. In the application disclosed in Figs. to 17, a guide member is shown as cooperating with a slide member. I

In some instances, as shown in Figs. 7 to 12, it may be desirable to have the arch wire 4 secured at two points to the arch wire, whereby there will be a two point control of the arch wire. This arrangement may comprise the application of a T-shaped member or an inverted T-shaped member 11 which comprises a stem 12 which is adapted to be received in the hole 6, see particularly Fig. 12.

The stem 12 may be inserted toward the occlusal or gingival in the hole 6. While the stem 12 and the hole 6 are shown as being relatively circular, it is preferable that the hole and stem be non-circular, such as square, rectangular, oval, or any other desired shape or contour. The length of the stem 12 is such that it may protrude beyond the surface 13 of the member 5 and over the band, as indicated at 14, Figs. 7, 9 and 10. At the occlusal end of a tooth, the stem 12 has secured thereto a bracket-like member 15 embodying a strap-like part 16 with two cars 17, 17 bent therefrom. The strap 16 is arranged at the occlusal or biting surface and away from the gingival. Each car 17 is provided with a hole 18, each of which alines with each other, and these holes 18 are adapted to receive the arch wire 4. The size of the openings or holes 18 depends upon the size of the arch wire 4 to be used. In some instances it is desirable that the arch wire be relatively loose within the holes 18, and as a practical embodiment, the holes 18 are usually made about twenty thousandths of an inch in diameter, while the size of the arch wire is about sixteen thousandths of an inch in diameter. Should it be desirable to use an arch wire heavier than sixteen thousandths, the holes 18, 18 will permit for greater diameter. The holes 18, 18 and the arch wire 4 may be greater in diameter, should there be occasion to use a heavier arch wire, the size of the stem or post 12 and the size of the opening 6 may be of a size substantially equal to the size of the holes or openings 18.

In instances where the inverted T-shaped member 11, as shown in Fig. 12, is used, it is desirable that the hollow member 5 be made without the projecting finger 8, or the projecting finger 8 may be removed by cutting it off, or twisting it 01f, or by bending it so that the resultant member 5, to receive the inverted T-shaped member 11, will be in the form disclosed particularly in Fig. 12.

The invention, as disclosed in Figs. 1 to 6, is such, therefore, that the band 2 may have a hollow member 5 secured thereto with a single point of contact with the arch wire 4. Or, as shown in Figs. 4 to 12, there may be a multiple point contact with the wire by employing the use of the inverted member 11, the stem 12 being inserted through the opening 6 and then bending the free end of the stem over in the manner disclosed more particularly in Figs. 7, 9 and 10. Other forms of utilizing the invention are disclosed in Figs. 13 to 17, inclusive.

Fig. 13 discloses the member 5 applied to the band 2 in the form of a channel having a front face 19 and depending legs 20 and 21, the legs 20 and 21 being secured to the band 5, thereby defining an opening 22. The opening 22 is completely closed inasmuch as the side 23 of the band acts as a closure surface. A T- shaped element 11, Fig. 12, has its shank or stem 12 conforming to the shape of the opening 6. Also, the member 11 may be inverted in the opening 23 so that the strap 16 will be toward the gingival instead of the occlusal.

Fig. 14 shows the member 5 in the arrangement of Fig. 13, but discloses a projection 24 which is an integral elongation of the front 19 of the channel member disclosed in Fig. 13. This member 24 may be bent over to receive the arch wire 4 and it may be arranged toward the gingival instead of toward the occlusal, as shown in Figs. 7, 9 and 10.

It may be desirable, in some instances, to provide for some sideway movement of the attachment to the wire on the band, and this may be accomplished by having a guide member 25 Fig. 15, secured to the band 2. The guide member 25, Fig. 15, may comprise a fiat portion 26 which is secured directly to the band by soldering, or otherwise. The fiat section 26 is provided with upper and lower guide flanges 27 and 28, respectively. A shiftable slide 29 is adapted to receive the guide member 25, whereby horizontal shiftable movement of the member 29 may be had with respect to the member 25. The member 29 comprises a flat portion 30 with two inwardly inclined upper and lower ledges 31 and 32, respectively, for engagement with the flanges 27 and 28 on the member 25. The slide member 29, therefore, is free to have a certain amount of horizontal slidable movement with respect to its cooperating guide member 25. The slide member 29 may be provided with outstanding ears 33, 33 which are integrally attached to the plate part 30 of the slide member 29. These ears 33 may be provided with alined holes 34, 34 which are in alinement and adapted to receive the arch wire 4.

Also, in many instances it is desirable that there be vertical movement of the device which supports the arch wire, as shown in Fig. 16. A guide 35 is similar to the guide 25, but is vertically arranged instead of being horizontally arranged. The guide 35 includes a fiat face part 36 which is attached to the band 2, there being outwardly extending side flanges 37 and 38 integral with the flat part 36. A slide 39, similar to the slide 29, is adapted to he slid vertically on the guide 35, and this slide comprises a front face 40 having oppositely disposed inclined integral side flanges 41 and ,42. The slide member 39, therefore, has its flanges 37 and 38 interfitting behind the side flanges 41 and 42, respectively. The front face 40 of the slide member 39 is provided with extensions forming oppositely disposed ears 43, 43 which are struck out from the face 40 of the slide 39. The cars 43, 43 may be each provided with an opening 44 which aline with each other to receive the arch wire 4.

The arch wire 4, therefore, may be controlled horizontally by means of the slide 29 and its cooperating guide 25, as shown in Fig. 15, or controlled vertically by the vertical slidable movement of the slide 39 on the vertical guide 35.

Fig. 17 discloses a channel-shaped member 45 which comprises a front face 46 and inwardly extending legs 47. The ends of the legs 47 are secured to the band 2, and the opening 48 defined by the legs 47, the front 46, and the outer face of the band 2 are substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 13, except the member is applied in a vertical instead of horizontal position. A slide bracket 49 is free to have horizontal slidable movement in the opening 48. The ends of the slide member 49 have ears 50, 50 bent therefrom, and are each provided with a hole 51 which aline with each other to receive the arch wire 4.

The present invention, therefore, permits the ortho dontist or dentist to start with aneasy application of the.

arch wire to a band or bandsto eifect a certain control or result, and later revert to a multiple control of the arch wire with a band. The use of either a single attachment, as shown in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, or the use of a of movement, shifting, or rotation that may be required.

The arch wire 4 is adapted to be shifta'ble in either a horizontal or a vertical position, and arranged. either close to the occlusal or close to the gingival, whichever is preferable, depending upon the kind and amount of tooth straightening desired, the arrangement permitting for easy control of the arch wire to accommodate certain conditions.

Changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages, and the right is hereby reserved to make all such changes as fall fairly'within the scope of the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A dental appliance comprising a band adapted to be secured to a tooth, an arch wire securing member fixed to said band at the labial side, a projection depending from the member at the labial side, an arch wire arranged between the band and projection, and means to support the arch wire to the projection and to the band by the projection to form a single attachment of the arch wire to the band, said securing member having a vertical opening therein, and 21 T-shaped member having a part receivable in said opening, the ends of the T-shaped member having a pair of spaced openings to receive the arch wire to provide for a multiple attachment of the,

arch wire to said band. 7

2. A dental appliance comprising a band adapted to be secured to a tooth, a member secured to the band on the labial side and having an opening therethrough, an arch wire securement member having a stem extending into said opening, a member on the securement member,

ears turned over from the member, a hole in each ear of the latter member and in alinement with each other,

and an arch wire through said alined holes to provide a two point contact of the arch wire with the securement member. g 3. A dental appliance comprising a-bandadapted to be secured to a tooth, a member secured to the band on the labial side and havingvan opening therethrough, a

T-shapedmernber having a vertical stem and a cross member integral therewith, said stem being received in the opening,;ears turned over from the cross member of the T-shaped member, said ears each having a hole therein in alinement with each other, and an arch wire passing through said alined holes to provide a multiple contact of the arch'wire to a band. a

4. A dental appliance comprising a band adapted to be secured -to a tooth, a member secured to the band and having a height less than the distance between the occlusal and gingival edges of said band, said member having an aperture extending vertically therethrough, a T-shaped arch wire supporting device having a leg received by said aperture and a crossbar, ears extending perpendicularly from the ends of the crossbar having aligned openings therein, for receiving and supportingan arch wire. i

5. A dental appliance comprising a band adapted to be secured to a tooth, a member secured to said band, and an arch wire supporting device removably slidable on said member, said device having a pair of outwardly 7 extending vertical ears with aligned wire receiving apertures therein. e

6. A dental appliance comprising a band adapted to be 7 secured to a tooth,'a member attached to said band having an aperture, therein extending parallel to the occlusal and gingival edges of the band, and an arch wire receiving bar slidably carried in said aperture and having out- Wardly extending ears with aligned wire receiving apertures therein.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

